Trails Project Manager

Trails Project Manager

Job Posting

The Gallatin Valley Land Trust (GVLT) connects people, communities, and open lands through the conservation of working farms and ranches, healthy rivers, and wildlife habitat, and through the creation of trails in the Greater Yellowstone Region of Montana.

Since our founding in 1990, GVLT has protected 120 properties to permanently conserve over 50,000 acres and has helped create over 100 miles of trails in our Main Street to the Mountains trail system. GVLT is one of the strongest land trusts in the state and a national leader in community focused conservation. GVLT’s staff and programming continue to grow, fueled by deep community embrace and engagement. For more information about GVLT and its programs, visit www.gvlt.org.

Summary of Position.  The Staff and Board of GVLT seek a highly motivated and well-organized individual to join our team and facilitate on-the-ground trail projects. This individual will represent GVLT to diverse constituents and stakeholders and will be responsible for helping to develop and maintain strong community partnerships with governmental agencies, non-profit organizations, private landowners, and trail user-groups. The Trails Project Manager will be responsible for managing GVLT’s trail maintenance projects as well as implementing new trail construction projects. Successful candidates will have experience managing contracts, contractors, permits, budgets and timelines. This position reports to the Trails Director and will oversee seasonal staff, including AmeriCorps service members.

Essential Duties:

Project development and maintenance (60%)

·         Identify and pursue priority trail projects and strategic opportunities to achieve GVLT’s trails mission.

·         Manage new trail construction projects and trail maintenance projects, including management of permits, budgets, timelines and contractors.

·         Coordinate and perform spring trail assessments, developing annual maintenance plans reflecting responsibilities detailed in use licenses, trail easements, MOU’s, and other agreements. 

·         Perform hands-on stewardship work including physical trail work, recreational lands stewardship, routine trailhead maintenance, amenity improvements, gates, fencing, etc.

·         Assist in the development and implementation of the Trails Program annual work plan. Assist with the preparation of the Trails Program budget.

·         Support volunteer project coordination. Provide technical training and management of seasonal workers and volunteers, including maintenance of tools and vehicles.

Community Relationships (35%)

·         Identify, pursue, and engage in collaborative partnerships with government agencies, municipal partners and other trail focused NGOs to help accomplish GVLT’s trails mission.

·         Assist in GVLT’s efforts to help local communities plan for and implement recreation and trails infrastructure.

·         Represent the trails program at a variety of citizen advisory boards, stakeholder, and other groups, including outside of normal business hours.

·         Provide leadership and education in the community regarding the importance and value of trails, including organizing and attending events and delivering presentations to groups.

Other (5%):

·         Assist the Trails Director with GVLT Board of Directors Trails Committee meetings and administration.

·         Participate in bi-weekly staff meetings, and bi-monthly Board meetings, to keep colleagues and members apprised of issues as they arise.

·         Assist with donor support activities and events as needed.

·         Assist with administrative and office responsibilities as needed.

Qualifications:

·         Minimum of Bachelor’s Degree in a field applicable to the position and/or applicable experience.  

·         Minimum of three years of experience with project management, preferably in the area of community planning, recreation management, community trail development or another applicable field.

·         Highly-motivated, creative, organized self-starter with a passion to bring people together to accomplish community trails project.

·         Ability to take initiative and comfort with leadership positions.

·         Experience writing grants preferred.

 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

·         Ability to walk up to five miles over rough terrain, lift up to 40 lbs., and navigate in remote areas in all weather conditions for hours at a time.

·         Proven ability to develop positive and effective working relationships with diverse partners including, community leaders, trail user groups, landowners, government agencies and the general public.

·         Exceptional interpersonal skills with the ability and personality to work collaboratively with GVLT’s dynamic team.

·         Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing with landowners, user groups, the public, media, professional colleagues and governmental entities.

·         Ability to publicly represent GVLT, its mission, and core values.

·         Proven organizational skills and strong attention to detail.

·         Ability to meet deadlines and prioritize multiple and complex tasks.

·         Knowledge of the practices, principles and techniques of community trail development. Experience overseeing contractors.

·         Knowledge of trail easements and other real property interests for public access, preferred.

·         Knowledge of the federal, state and local laws, standards, codes, regulations and procedures which affect trail building and real estate transactions.

·         Knowledge of natural resources, including the ability to identify plant and animal species in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem preferred.

·         Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and ArcGIS preferred.

Compensation

This position is full-time exempt. Salary range $48,000 – $53,000, DOE. GVLT provides competitive health benefits, retirement match, and generous vacation policy.

To Apply

Email a letter of interest, resume and contact information for three references to matt@gvlt.org with “Trails Project Manager” in the subject line. Applications are only accepted electronically. No calls please. Screening of applications begins March 15, 2022 and the position is open until filled. GVLT is an equal opportunity employer.